Novak Djokovic Didn't Hesitate Naming His Greatest 'Rival'
Novak Djokovic is currently playing in the Round of 16 at Wimbledon on Monday morning.
The No. 6 seed in the Men's Singles event at Wimbledon is taking on Alex de Minaur on Monday morning. The winner of the event will land in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. Djokovic has 100 career wins at Wimbledon, including seven Grand Slam titles.
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Djokovic has faced several great opponents throughout his career. However, in terms of an all-time rival, one stands out.
The Serbian tennis great didn't hesitate naming his all-time greatest rival over the course of his career. Djokovic made his pick between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and others.
INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: Novak Djokovic of Serbia fields questions from the media during a press conference at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 07, 2019 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by)
Djokovic said that Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly the greatest rival of his tennis career.
'I always have memories of great matches at the Caja Mágica, especially against Nadal, who has been the greatest rival of my career, but I also recall some semifinals with Alcaraz,' Djokovic told RTVE, while speaking at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards.
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Djokovic and Nadal had some all-time matches. Djokovic holds a 31-29 record against Nadal, who has since retired. Meanwhile, Djokovic holds a 27-23 record against Federer, who has also retired.
The tennis world is currently going through a major change, too.
Djokovic is a member of the all-time "Big Three" in the tennis world, along with Federer and Nadal. There is now a "Big Two" in the tennis world, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner battling it out for Grand Slam titles.
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 22. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in irony after winning match point during a practice match with Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland on Court Philippe-Chatrier in preparation for the 2024 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 22nd, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)Tim Clayton - Corbis/Getty Images
Djokovic has enjoyed his matches against Nadal and Alcaraz, especially at the French Open, while also playing some great ones in Spain.
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'I always have very good feelings when I return to Madrid, to Spain. It's a country I love very much,' Djokovic added. 'I've won the Madrid Open three times in my career, with extraordinary matches against Nadal and [Carlos] Alcaraz'.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Wimbledon Tournament is currently airing live on ESPN.
Novak Djokovic Didn't Hesitate Naming His Greatest 'Rival' first appeared on The Spun on Jul 7, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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